Translational control of gene expression

Translational control of gene expression is the regulation of the process of translation. In other words, this is the control of the conversion of mRNA into a polypeptide chain.

Translational control is most relevant in eukaryotes, as prokaryotic genetic regulation occurs mostly during transcription.

Translational control prevents the cell wasting resources on the production of unwanted proteins.

Translation is mainly controlled through altering the amount of mRNA present within the cytoplasm. Capping and polyadenylation, two types of post-transcriptional modification, are both vital for this.

The cell can control how much of the newly transcribed mRNA receives a methylguanosine cap and poly (A) tail. This in turn dictates how much mRNA enters the cytoplasm and how long it will remain before being broken down.